Paisley Museum could be turned into the town's own version of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, if Renfrewshire Council can secure the multi-million pound funding needed for a massive modernisation and refurbishment programme.

The council has drafted a pre-feasibility study which could see the Central Library move to the Town Hall and the Museum be renovated.

Under the plans, designed to boost declining visitor numbers, a new 175-seat theatre could be built within the revamped museum for performing arts, lectures and films.

A café and bar could also be included along with improved access for people with disabilities, state-of-the-art environmental controls for the galleries and the replacement or upgrading of the modern extensions to the Grade A listed building.

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Page/Park, the architects who designed the iconic Lighthouse arts venue and the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, have been brought in to investigate the feasibility of the proposals.

Councillor Eileen McCartin, convener of Renfrewshire Council's community and family care policy board, said: "Glasgow City Council's investment in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has turned it into Scotland's top visitor attraction. We might not take Kelvingrove's crown but we can certainly create a facility that will put Paisley on the map as a cultural centre."

"Paisley Museum has already been recognised by the Scottish Museums Council (SMC) for the quality of its exhibits. In January, the SMC granted the museum's collection of shawls and weaving equipment 'Significant' status, making it one of only 27 recognised collections of national significance across Scotland."

The plans are at a very early stage and they may change as the results of the feasibility study are seen.

(GK/JM)